The PFAS chemicals present in AFFF firefighting foam have been connected to an array of cancers, including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
According to a report by the CDC , prolonged exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the chemicals in AFFF, has been associated with an increased risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, testicular cancer, and kidney cancer.
These chemicals belong to a broader category called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The American Cancer Society has identified PFOA as a known carcinogen, which means that individuals exposed to PFAS chemicals face a higher risk of developing cancers like Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, along with other health complications.
PFAS Chemicals in AFFF Firefighting Foam and Their Impact on Human Health
For decades, the dangers of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam have been known, and both the US Navy and chemical manufacturers were aware of these risks.
The US Department of Defense eventually issued a warning about the health risks and environmental contamination caused by AFFF.
Multiple studies have connected PFAS chemicals to increased cancer risks and various other health issues.
Cancers associated with PFAS chemicals include:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
Other health problems associated with PFAS exposure include:
- Thyroid disease
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
Research on PFAS Exposure and Associated Health Risks
As research continues to uncover the extent of the risks posed by PFAS chemicals, the number of lawsuits related to AFFF exposure is expected to grow.
Several studies have examined the link between AFFF exposure and various health problems:
- National Research Center for Environmental Toxicology (Australia): Found higher levels of fluorinated surfactants in the bloodstream of firefighters who had used AFFF.
- University of California, Berkeley: Found that women firefighters exposed to AFFF had higher levels of PFAS in their bodies, further linking the chemicals to cancer risk.
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Found an association between PFOA exposure and kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
- International Journal of Cancer: Identified a positive association between PFOS exposure and an increased risk of breast cancer.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen and PFOS as potentially carcinogenic to humans.
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, noting that long-term exposure to these chemicals could harm human health.
If you believe you’ve been affected, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about your options.
It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.